Method and apparatus for installing alarm systems and door locks

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for marking positions for burglar alarm sensor elements on a door, the door attached to a frame having a header including comprising the steps of providing a marking apparatus the marking apparatus including an arm, a positioning member with a longitudinal centerline attached to the arm, and punch point attached to the positioning member, the punch point being aligned with the longitudinal centerline of the positioning member; at least partially opening the door; placing the positioning member in a hole in the header and closing the door; while the door is closed causing the positioning member to make a mark on the top of the door; and opening the door and removing the positioning member from the hole in the header; and causing an opening to be made in the door at the location of the mark.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a non provisional application of U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 61/363,904, filed Jul. 13, 2010.

U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/363,904, filed Jul. 13,2010, is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to installation of burglar alarms andinstallation of door latches, and/or locks, and/or lock hardware.

There is a need to provide a quick and convenient method for markingholes to be drilled for installing burglar alarm sensor components,along with a method and apparatus for marking for door latches, and/orstrike plates, and/or lock hardware.

While certain novel features of this invention shown and described beloware pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended tobe limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill inthe relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications,substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the deviceillustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in anyway from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of theinvention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated asbeing “critical” or “essential.”

BRIEF SUMMARY

One embodiment provides a method and apparatus for marking positions forburglar alarm sensor elements on a door, the door attached to a framehaving a header comprising the steps of: providing a marking apparatusthe marking apparatus including an arm, a positioning member attached tothe arm, the positioning member having a longitudinal centerline and amarking point, the marking point being aligned with the longitudinalcenterline of the positioning member; at least partially opening thedoor; placing the positioning member in a hole in the header and closingthe door; while the door is closed using the arm to cause the markingpoint of the positioning member to form a positioning mark on the top ofthe door; opening the door and removing the positioning member from thehole in the header; and causing an opening to be made in the door at thelocation of the positioning mark.

In one embodiment the positioning member has a groove and a contact wireis hanging from the hole in the header and the contact wire is placed inthe groove.

In one embodiment the arm has first and second opposing sides, and thepositioning member is located on the first side and the marking tip islocated on the second side.

In one embodiment the arm of the positioning member is held in asubstantially horizontal position during marking

In one embodiment the marking tip is integral with the positioningmember.

In one embodiment the arm has first and second opposing sides, and themarking tip is located a distance from the second side and such distanceis adjustable related to the second side.

In one embodiment the positioning member is detachably connected to thearm via a plurality of threads.

In one embodiment the positioning member has a rounded tip.

In one embodiment the positioning member is bullet shaped, conicallyshaped, and/or cylindrically shaped.

In one embodiment the positioning member is frustoconically shaped.

In one embodiment the marking apparatus includes a plurality ofinterchangeable positioning members of different sizes and a userselects a particular positioning member to attach to the markingapparatus.

In one embodiment during marking there exists a gap between the top ofthe door and the header and at least part of the arm fits within thegap.

In one embodiment the arm includes first and second ends, thepositioning member is attached on the first end, and a handle isattached to the arm on the second end.

In one embodiment the positioning member has a positioning surface whichis cylindrically shaped and has an outer diameter which is slightlysmaller than the hole in the header.

In one embodiment the positioning member has a groove and the arm has anotch which is aligned with the groove, and during step “c” a contactwire is hanging from the hole in the header and the contact wire islocated in both the groove and the notch.

In one embodiment the arm has first and second opposing sides, and thepositioning member is located on the first side and the marking tip islocated on the first side.

In one embodiment the arm of the positioning member is held in asubstantially vertical position while the positioning member is held ina substantially horizontal position.

In one embodiment the marking tip is integral with the positioningmember.

In one embodiment the arm has first and second opposing sides, and themarking tip is located a distance from the first side and such distanceis adjustable relative to the first side while the distance of thepositioning member from the first side remains constant.

In one embodiment the positioning member is detachably connected to thearm via a plurality of threads.

In one embodiment the positioning member has a rounded tip.

In one embodiment the positioning member is bullet shaped, conicallyshaped, and/or cylindrically shaped.

In one embodiment the positioning member is frustoconically shaped.

In one embodiment the marking apparatus includes a plurality ofinterchangeable positioning members of different sizes and a userselects a particular positioning member to attach to the markingapparatus.

In one embodiment the arm includes first and second ends, thepositioning member is attached on the first end, and a handle isattached to the arm on the second end.

In one embodiment the positioning member has a positioning surface whichis cylindrically shaped and has an outer diameter which is slightlysmaller than the cross bore in the door.

In one embodiment the positioning member is threadably connected to thearm and the marking tip is threadably connected to the positioningmember.

One embodiment provides a method and apparatus for marking positions forburglar alarm sensor elements on a door, the door being attached to aframe comprising the steps of: providing a positioning member, thepositioning member having a longitudinal centerline and a marking point,the marking point being aligned with the longitudinal centerline of thepositioning member; at least partially opening the door; placing thepositioning member in a hole in the frame; the act of closing the doorin the door frame causing the marking point to make a mark on the door;opening the door and removing the positioning member from the hole inthe frame; and causing an opening to be made in the door at the locationof the positioning mark.

In one embodiment the door is slidably connected to the frame and theclosing the door in the frame requires the door to slide parallel to theframe while the door is substantially parallel to the frame.

In one embodiment the positioning member includes a frictional element.In one embodiment the frictional element includes is flexible andincludes first and second ends. In one embodiment the force applicationmember is a rope, wire, chain, cord, or string.

In one embodiment the positioning member includes a plurality of grooveswhich are substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of thepositioning member and the frictional element at least partiallyoccupies one of the grooves.

In one embodiment the positioning member includes a bore which issubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centering of thepositioning member and the frictional element is threaded through thebore.

One embodiment provides a method and apparatus for marking positions forburglar alarm sensor elements on a window, the window being attached toa frame comprising the steps of: providing a positioning member, thepositioning member having a longitudinal centerline and a marking point,the marking point being aligned with the longitudinal centerline of thepositioning member; at least partially opening the window; placing thepositioning member in a hole in the frame; the act of closing the windowin the frame causing the marking point to make a mark on the window;opening the window and removing the positioning member from the hole inthe frame; and causing an opening to be made in the window at thelocation of the positioning mark.

In one embodiment the positioning member includes a frictional element.In one embodiment the frictional element includes is flexible andincludes first and second ends. In one embodiment the force applicationmember is a rope, wire, chain, cord, or string.

In one embodiment the positioning member includes a plurality of grooveswhich are substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of thepositioning member and the frictional element at least partiallyoccupies one of the grooves.

In one embodiment the positioning member includes a bore which issubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centering of thepositioning member and the frictional element is threaded through thebore.

One embodiment provides a method and apparatus for marking positions forreceiving or strike plates on door frame, the door being attached to aframe comprising the steps of: providing a first marking apparatus thefirst marking apparatus including a first marking point, placing thefirst marking apparatus in a first screw hole opening for a latch ordeadbolt mechanism for the door; while the door is closed causing thefirst marking apparatus to make a first positioning mark on the doorframe; opening the door and removing the first marking apparatus fromthe door; and using the first positioning mark to install a plate on thedoor frame for receiving the latch or dead bolt.

One embodiment includes the further steps of: after making the firstpositioning mark on the door frame, placing the first marking apparatusin a second screw hole opening for a latch or deadbolt mechanism for thedoor and placing the door in a closed state, and while the door isclosed causing the first marking apparatus to make a second positioningmark on the door frame; opening the door and removing the first markingapparatus from the door; and using the first and second positioningmarks to install a plate on the door frame for receiving the latch ordead bolt.

One embodiment provides a method and apparatus for marking positions forreceiving or strike plates on door frame, the door being attached to aframe comprising the steps of: providing first and second markingapparatus the first and second marking apparatuses including first andsecond marking points, placing the first and second marking apparatusesin first and second screw hole openings for a latch or deadboltmechanism for the door; while the door is closed causing the first andsecond marking apparatuses to make first and second positioning marks onthe door frame; opening the door and removing the first and secondmarking apparatuses from the door; and using the first and secondpositioning marks to install a plate on the door frame for receiving thelatch or dead bolt.

In any of the above embodiments a positioning template can be used witheither the first or second positioning marks to install the plate on thedoor frame.

One embodiment provides a method and apparatus for marking positions forreceiving or strike plates on door frame, the door being attached to aframe comprising the steps of: providing a first marking apparatus thefirst marking apparatus including a first marking point, placing thefirst marking apparatus in a first screw hole opening for a latch ordeadbolt mechanism for the door; while the door is closed causing thefirst marking apparatus to make a first positioning mark on the doorframe; opening the door and removing the first marking apparatus fromthe door; and using the first positioning mark to install a plate on thedoor frame for receiving the latch or dead bolt.

One embodiment includes the further steps of: after making the firstpositioning mark on the door frame, placing the first marking apparatusin a second screw hole opening for a latch or deadbolt mechanism for thedoor and placing the door in a closed state, and while the door isclosed causing the first marking apparatus to make a second positioningmark on the door frame; opening the door and removing the first markingapparatus from the door; and using the first and second positioningmarks to install a plate on the door frame for receiving the latch ordead bolt.

One embodiment provides a method and apparatus for marking positions forreceiving or strike plates on door frame, the door being attached to aframe comprising the steps of: providing first and second markingapparatus the first and second marking apparatuses including first andsecond marking points, placing the first and second marking apparatusesin first and second screw hole openings for a latch or deadboltmechanism for the door; while the door is closed causing the first andsecond marking apparatuses to make first and second positioning marks onthe door frame; opening the door and removing the first and secondmarking apparatuses from the door; and using the first and secondpositioning marks to install a plate on the door frame for receiving thelatch or dead bolt.

In any of the above embodiments a positioning template can be used witheither the first or second positioning marks to install the plate on thedoor frame.

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages ofthe present invention, reference should be had to the following detaileddescription, read in conjunction with the following drawings, whereinlike reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows perspective view marking apparatus with force bar andhandle (positioning member attached to angled handle—marking point onbottom side and positioning member on top of handle, where positioningmember has two longitudinal grooves and threads close to marking point).

FIG. 1A shows a view take from the lines A-A of FIG. 1 of the markingpoint of the positioning member of FIG. 1.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the positioning member of FIG. 1 wherethe positioning member has been rotating 90 degrees relative to theposition shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 shows perspective view of positioning member with marking point.

FIG. 3 shows perspective view of positioning member with marking pointand pull cord.

FIG. 4 shows marking apparatus with handle being placed in alarm sensorhole of top door frame with alarm sensor wire hanging down, and withdoor open.

FIG. 5 shows marking apparatus with handle being now placed in alarmsensor hole of top door frame with alarm sensor wire hanging down, andwith door open.

FIG. 6 shows door closed and force being applied on marking apparatuswith handle while positioning member is in hole of top door frame withalarm sensor wire hanging down on other side of door, and with doorclosed.

FIG. 7 shows a section view of the apparatus in FIG. 6 with door closedand force being applied on marking apparatus with handle whilepositioning member is in hole of top door frame with alarm sensor wirehanging down on other side of door, and with door closed.

FIG. 8 shows mark placed on top of door.

FIG. 9 shows a hole being drilled on top of door at mark and alarmsensor being placed in hole.

FIG. 10 shows upper and lower alarm sensors in an aligned position whendoor is closed.

FIG. 11 shows positioning member (without handle) but with flexiblemember, and positioning member being placed in alarm sensor hole of topdoor frame with alarm sensor wire hanging down out of hole and with dooropen.

FIG. 12 shows door closed and the pull cord being used to apply force onthe positioning member with marking tip, and with door closed.

FIG. 13 shows door closed and the two wires of the alarm sensor wirewhich will be used to apply force on the positioning member with markingtip after the door is closed.

FIG. 14 shows positioning member with marking tip with short frictioncord being placed in alarm sensor hole at side of door frame with shortfriction wire wrapped about positioning member and placed in grooves tomake a frictional surface and prevent the member from being pushedcompletely into hole when door closed, with door open.

FIG. 15 shows the door after being closed on the positioning member ofFIG. 14, wherein a mark can be made on side of closed door for anopening to be drilled for placement of alarm sensor component.

FIG. 16 shows positioning member with marking tip with short frictioncord being placed in alarm sensor at bottom of window sill with shortfriction wire wrapped about positioning member and placed in grooves tomake a frictional surface and prevent the positioning member from beingpushed completely into hole when window closed, with window open.

FIG. 17 shows the window after being closed on the positioning member ofFIG. 16, wherein a mark can be made on side of closed window for anopening to be drilled for placement of alarm sensor component.

FIG. 18 shows a small diameter positioning member with marking tip withpull cord being placed in dead bolt screw hole at side of door (withscrew for dead bolt removed), with door open. Small diameter positioningmember can also be used/placed in a lock latch screw hole.

FIG. 19 shows door closed and the flexible member being used to applyforce on the positioning member with marking tip to mark the door frame.

FIG. 20 shows the positioning marks made from the two screw holes of thedead bolt, where the positioning marks are made an a piece of tape tobetter show the location of the marks. Positioning marks can also bemade from small diameter positioning member be used/placed in lock latchscrew holes.

FIG. 21 shows a recessed area for the deadbolt plate make around the twoholes drilled from the positioning marks made in FIG. 20, along withplacement of strike plate and hole cut out for strike plate to match thedead bolt or door lock.

FIG. 22 shows a strike plate having screw holes which do not match thescrew holes of the latch, in such a case a template can be used.

FIG. 23 shows a strike plate template which can be used when the strikeplate holes do not match the screw holes of the dead bolt or door lock,along with the positioning marks made in FIG. 20.

FIG. 24 shows the template of FIG. 23 placed on the door and drill holesbeing made for the strike plate.

FIG. 25 shows a recessed area for the strike plate made around the twoholes drilled from the positioning template of FIG. 24, along withplacement of strike plate and hole cut out for strike plate to match alatch, deadbolt, or door lock.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are providedherein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention maybe embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structureor manner.

It is to be understood that the marking apparatus 100 is applicable toany marking or punching use.

Force Bar with Positioning Member

FIG. 1 shows perspective view marking apparatus 100 with force bar 300and handle (handle 200 can be the length of arm 300 following angle370), and positioning member 500.

In this embodiment positioning member 500 can include marking point 550on bottom side and rounded positioning member on top 520, withpositioning member 500 having two longitudinal grooves (600, 610) andthreads 515 close to marking point 550.

FIG. 1A shows a view taken from the lines A-A of FIG. 1 of the markingpoint 550 of positioning member 500.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of positioning member 500 wherepositioning member 500 has been rotated 90 degrees relative to theposition shown in FIG. 1. Positioning member is shown rotated to betterillustrate the double grooves 600 and 610 (which can be seen in FIG. 1A,but not in FIG. 1). In FIG. 1B neither groove (600 or 610) lines up withnotch 360 of arm 300. However, preferably during use either groove 600or 610 will be lined up with notch 360 (as shown if FIGS. 1 and 1A).

In one embodiment marking device 100 can comprises a handle 200 (handle200 can be the length of arm 300 following angle 370), arm 300,positioning member 500, and marking point 550. In embodiment positioningmember 500 can be detachably connectable to arm 300.

In one embodiment marking point 550 can include a releasable markingsubstance such as paint, ink, dye, lead, graphite, and/or wax toincrease the visibility of the mark left by marking point 550. In oneembodiment marking point 550 can be similar to the point of a ball pointink pen, or a felt tip pen.

Arm 300 can include first end 310 and second end 320. Positioning 500member can be detachably connected to second end 320. In a preferredembodiment positioning member 500 and marking point 550 can belongitudinally aligned with each other (and can be constructed from asingle material).

Although not shown in the drawings, handle 200 can be non-parallel toand pivotally attached to first end 310.

On second end 320 of arm 300 can be opening 350 which can includesthreaded area 355. In one embodiment opening 350 can include notch 360.First and second ends 310,320 of arm 300 can be rounded, flat, orangled.

Arm 300 (although illustrated as being generally rectangular) can bemade in other shapes such as rounded, triangular, or other geometriccross sections which provide sufficient strength for the type of usecontemplated, and can fit between the gap of a door and door jam.

Positioning member 500 can include first end 510, second end 520, andhave a length “L”. In a preferred embodiment first end 510 can berounded, hemispherically shaped, curved, and/or pointed to allow foreasy insertion into an opening. Second end 520 can include a pointedarea 550 which can act as punch 700. In a preferred embodiment,positioning member 500 is symmetrically shaped with pointed area 550being located in the longitudinal center line 555.

In one embodiment positioning member 500 can include threaded area 515which threadably attaches to a threaded area 355 (of opening 350) of arm300.

In various embodiments positioning member 500 can be attached to arm 300by threading, wedging, or other attachment techniques. By makingpositioning member 500 detachably connectable to arm 300, it is possibleto replace positioning member 500 easily as this is the primary point ofwear on apparatus 100.

Positioning Member Itself without and with Pull Cord

FIG. 2 shows perspective view of positioning member 500 with markingpoint 550. FIG. 3 shows perspective view of positioning member 500 withmarking point 550 and force application member 900.

In one embodiment positioning member 500 can include one or morelongitudinal grooves 600, 610, and/or 620 (although groove 620 is notshown in the drawings) about its positioning surface 530. In oneembodiment one groove 600 is provided. In one embodiment two grooves 600and 610 are provided which are symmetrically spaced apart 180 degreesfrom each other. Although not shown in the drawings, in one embodimentthree grooves 600, 610, and 620 are provided which are symmetricallyspaced apart 120 degrees from each other.

FIG. 1A is a view of one embodiment of a positioning member 500 withmarking point 550, with the positioning member having two longitudinalgrooves 600 and 610 symmetrically spaced apart (180 degrees from eachother). Grooves 600 and 610 allow for increased adjustability of markingpoint 550 related to top 302 of arm 300 as only one groove need be linedup with notch 360. With only single groove 600 positioning member 550must be turned at least 360 degrees before groove 600 will line up withnotch 360. With two vertical slots 600 and 610 positioning member 550need only be turned 180 degrees before one of the two notched line upwith groove 360. FIGS. 1, 1A, and 1B show relative positions of grooves600 and 610 to notch 360.

Alarm Sensor Installation

The use of apparatus 100 for installing door alarm sensors isschematically illustrated in FIGS. 3-10.

FIG. 4 shows marking apparatus 100 with handle 300 being placed in alarmsensor hole 2020 of top door frame 2010 with alarm sensor wire 20hanging down, and with door 2500 open. The header of door frame 2100 canhave opening 2020 in the header which had been previously made (such asby a drill) a sensor wire 20 hanging from the opening 2020. Although notshown, header can have both a front and rear portion with a door jamtowards the rear and weather stripping placed on the door jam.

Door frame 2000 can have a door sensor system 10 which includes contactwire 20 along with upper 12 and lower sensor 14 elements. Door sensorsystem 10 (which includes upper sensor 12 and sensor wire 20) can beinstalled in the upper portion of a door frame 2000 (see FIG. 10).

In FIG. 4 the sensor wire 20 has been placed in the groove 600 ofpositioning member 500 of apparatus 100. The vertical groove 600 andwire 20 face the rear of the door frame 2000. Positioning member 500 ispreferably about the same size as the opening 2020 in the header 2010.

FIG. 5 shows positioning member 500 of marking apparatus 100 now placedin alarm sensor hole 2020 with alarm sensor wire 20 hanging down, andwith door 2500 open. After positioning member 500 is placed in opening2020 of header 2010, wire 20 still hangs down from opening 2020 but islocated towards the rear of the header 2010 (schematically indicated bythe arrow 21). Marking point 550 is now located about in thelongitudinal center of opening 2020 for header 2010.

FIG. 6 shows door 2500 in closed state and force (schematicallyindicated by arrow 2070) being applied on marking apparatus 100 withhandle 300 while positioning member 500 is in hole 2020 of top doorframe 2010 with alarm sensor wire 20 hanging down on other side of door2500, and with door 2500 closed. Arm is located in gap 2050 between door2500 and frame 2010. Preferably door 2500 is closed with door hardware(e.g., door knob 2504 and strike plate 2200) on the door 2500/frame 2000so that the door 2500 will lock in place in the strike plate 2200 (asthe door will normally be used). When closed arm 300 of apparatus 100can fit within the gap 2050 between the top 2510 of the door 2500 andthe header 2010 of the door frame 2000. The hanging wire 20 also fitsbetween the top 2510 of the door 2500 and the header 2010 of the doorframe 2000 (on the top of the door) and between the rear of the door2500 and the weather stripping 2004 in front of the jam 2006 (althoughnot shown but located at the rear of the door 2500). Arrows 2072schematically indicate that, in one embodiment, arm 300 can be pivotedsomewhat about opening 2020 in header 2010 even when door 2500 is closedin door frame 2000.

FIG. 7 shows a section view of marking apparatus 100 with door 2500closed and force (schematically indicated by arrow 2070) being appliedon marking apparatus 100 with handle 300 while positioning member 500 isin hole 2020 of top door frame 2010 with alarm sensor wire 20 hangingdown on other side of door 2500, and with door 2500 closed. Positioningsurface 530 of positioning member 500 aligns positioning member 500 inthe centerline CL of opening 2020 made in header 2010 of frame 2000.Marking point 550 can also being in the longitudinal centerline CL ofpositioning member 500 causing point 550 to be so aligned withcenterline CL. When door 2500 is closed in frame 2000, pushing down onarm 300 (schematically indicated by arrow 2070) of apparatus 100 (shownin FIG. 39) causes point 550′ to create a mark 2550 in door 2500. Inthis manner, when door 2500 is closed, mark 2550 is also aligned withcenterline CL of opening 2020.

As shown in FIG. 7, wire 20 does not interfere with alignment ofpositioning member 500 because wire 20 can fit in groove 600 whilepositioning surface 530 aligns positioning member in opening 2020. Alsoshown in FIG. 7 arm 300 and marking point 550 of marking apparatus 100can fit within gap 2050 between top 2510 of door 2500 and header 2010 offrame 2000. In some instances the distance between first end 510 ofpositioning member from bottom 304 of arm can be adjusted upwardly inthe direction of arrow 502 (or downwardly in the direction of arrow 504)by rotating positioning member in the direction of arrow 526 (or theopposite direction of arrow 526). As shown in Figure marking point 550of positioning member 500 is generally located in the longitudinalcenterline of opening 2020.

FIGS. 6 and 7 schematically indicate that force in the direction ofarrow 2070 is applied downwardly to the top of apparatus 100 causingmarking point 550 to make a mark, indentation, scratch or scar 2550 onthe top 2510 of the door 2500. To better assist in seeing the mark,indentation, scratch, or scar a different material 2700 can be placed onthe top of the door 2500 (such as painter's tape or masking tape).During this step the front portion 310 of arm 300 is generally in ahorizontal position and located in a horizontal plane between gape 2050.

FIG. 8 shows a point mark 2550 placed on top 2510 of door 2500, and onor through marking material 2700. Generally, two types of marks 2550which can be left by marking point 550 (either a point mark or a scratchline). Point mark is shown, however, although not shown a scratch line2560 ending in a point 2550 can be made where marking point 550 touchesthe top 2510 of the door 2500 when the door 2500 is being closed. Thiscan occur when there is only a small gap 2050 between the top 2510 ofthe door and the header 2010 (i.e., the bottom of the door frame).

FIG. 8 shows a mark 2550 which can be left by marking point 550 whenusing tape 2700. In another embodiment tape 2700 can be omitted.Painter's tape 2700 can be used to better show the mark 2550 made bymarking point 550 (shown in FIG. 7).

After mark 2550 is made in the top 2510 of door 2500, marking apparatus100 can be removed (substantially the opposite procedure is used as thatschematically shown in FIG. 6). A user pushes up (in the oppositedirection of arrow 2070) on the bottom 304 of arm 300 and opens door2500. Door 2500 can be opened and marking apparatus 100 pulled down fromout of opening 2020 of header 2010 (substantially the opposite procedureas shown in FIG. 4). The user pulls out positioning member 500 fromopening 2020 in the header 2010. Wire 20 will then be left hanging fromopening 2020.

In one embodiment (shown in FIG. 1) the positioning member 500 isvertically adjustable relative to the arm 300 to address the situationwhere there are small gaps 2050 and minimize scarring or scratch lines2560. To vertically adjust positioning member 500, positioning member500 can be partially screwed into or unscrewed from arm 300, wherethreads 515 of positioning member 500 will move positioning member 500up or down relative to arm 300.

FIG. 9 shows a 2550 hole being drilled on top 2510 of door 2500 at mark2550 and alarm sensor 14 being placed in the drilled hole 2555. The hole2555 should be the size of the lower sensor 14 to be placed in the door2510 and should be drilled parallel to a vertical plane passing throughthe mark 2550 on the top 2510 of the door 2500. FIG. 9 shows the hole2550 being drilled through the painter's tape 2700. After the hole 2550is drilled the painter's tape 2700 should be removed from door 2500.

FIG. 9 shows the lower sensor 14 being placed in the drilled hole 2555at the top 2510 of the door 2500.

FIG. 10 shows upper 12 and lower 14 alarm sensors in an aligned positionwhen door 2500 is closed in door frame 2100.

FIG. 10 shows how the lower sensor 14 placed in the hole 2555 made inthe door 2500 lines up well with the mating upper sensor 12 componentconnected to the wire 20 and placed in the hole 2020 in the header 2010of the door frame 2000. The arrow in FIG. 9 schematically indicatesalignment between upper 12 and lower 14 sensor components

FIG. 10 should be contrasted with prior art manual methods ofapproximating the location of drill how 2555 (without using the markingapparatus 100) does not lines up the mating upper sensor 12 component.

Marking on Door Using Positioning Member with Pulling on Flexible Member

FIG. 11 shows positioning member 500 (without handle 300) but with forceapplication system 900 (e.g., pull cord) being placed in alarm sensorhole 2020 of top 2010 door frame 2000 with alarm sensor wire 20 hangingdown out of hole 2020 and with door 2500 open.

FIG. 12 shows door 2500 closed and the force application system 900(e.g., pull cord) being used to apply force (schematically indicated byarrow 2070) on the positioning member 500 with marking tip 550, and withdoor 2500 closed. In this embodiment flexible member 20 can have firstand second ends 910 and 920 and threaded through bore 800.

FIG. 13 shows door 2500 open and the two wires 22 and 24 of the alarmsensor wire 20 which will be used as flexible member 900 to apply forceon the positioning member 500 with marking tip 550 after the door 2500is closed (and similar to the method described for FIGS. 11 and 12).

General Methods of Marking on Doors

One embodiment provides a method and apparatus for marking positions forburglar alarm sensor elements on a door 2500, the door 2500 beingattached to a frame 2000 comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a positioning member 500, the positioning member 500having a longitudinal centerline and a marking point 550, the markingpoint 550 being aligned with the longitudinal centerline of thepositioning member 500;

(b) at least partially opening the 500 door;

(c) placing the positioning member 500 in a hole 2020 in the frame 2000;

(d) while the positioning member is in hole 2020, closing the door 2500in the door frame 2000;

(e) causing the marking 550 point to make a mark 2550 on the door 2500;

(f) opening the door 2500 and removing the positioning member 500 fromthe hole 2020 in the frame 2000; and

(g) causing an opening 2555 to be made in the door 2500 at the locationof the positioning mark 2550.

In one embodiment the door 2500 is pivotally connected to the frame2000.

In one embodiment the door 2500 is slidably connected to the frame 2000and the closing the door in the frame requires the door 2500 to slideparallel to the frame 2000 while the door 2500 is substantially parallelto the frame 2000.

In one embodiment the positioning member is attached to an arm 300 andin step “e” force is applied to the arm 300.

In one embodiment the positioning member is attached to a flexiblemember 900 and in step “e” force is applied to the flexible member 900.

In one embodiment the positioning member 500 includes a frictionalelement 3000. In one embodiment the frictional element 3000 includes isflexible and includes first and second ends 3010 and 3020.

In one embodiment the flexible member 900 is a rope, wire, chain, cord,or string.

In one embodiment the positioning member 500 includes a plurality ofgrooves 600 and 610 which are substantially parallel to the longitudinalcenterline CL of the positioning member 500.

In one embodiment the frictional element 3000 at least partiallyoccupies one of the grooves 600 and/or 610.

In one embodiment the positioning member 500 includes a bore 800 whichis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline CL of thepositioning member 500, and the flexible member 900 passes through thebore 800.

In one embodiment the and the frictional element 3000 passes through thebore 800.

Marking on Doors and Windows with Irregular Door/Window Jams

Sliding Glass Door

This embodiment is preferably used where arm 300 cannot be used forspace reasons.

FIG. 14 shows positioning member 500 with marking tip 550 with shortfriction member 3000 being placed in alarm sensor hole 3020 at side ofdoor frame with short friction member 3100 (e.g., enlarged diameterinsulated wire—enlarged with respect to slots or grooves 600 and 610)wrapped about positioning member 500 (placed in groove 600 and 610, andwrapped around top 520) and placed in grooves 600,610 to make africtional surface and prevent the positioning member 500 from beingpushed completely into hole 3000 when door 3500 closed, with door 3500open in FIG. 14 so not shown.

FIG. 15 shows door 3500 after being closed on the positioning member 500of FIG. 14, wherein a mark can be made on side 3510 of closed door 3500for an opening to be drilled in door 3500 for placement of alarm sensorcomponent. The mark on door 3500 can be an indentation, scratch, or inktype mark. In FIG. 15 tape 2700 is used to better show the mark as door3500 may be metal and not easily marked.

Window Sill

FIG. 16 shows positioning member 500 with marking tip 550 with shortfriction member 3000 being placed in alarm sensor hole 4020 at bottom ofwindow sill 4000 with short friction member 3100 (e.g., enlargeddiameter insulated wire—enlarged with respect to slots or grooves 600and 610) wrapped about positioning member 500 (placed in groove 600 and610, and wrapped around top 520) and placed in grooves 600,610 to make africtional surface and prevent the positioning member 500 from beingpushed completely into hole 3000 when window 4500 closed. In FIG. 17tape 2700 is used to better show the mark as window 4500 may be metaland not easily marked.

FIG. 17 shows the window 4500 after being closed on positioning member500, wherein a mark can be made on bottom 4510 of closed window 4500 foran opening to be drilled for placement of alarm sensor component. InFIG. 17 tape 2700 is used to better show the mark as window 4500 may bemetal and not easily marked.

General Methods for Marking on Windows

This embodiment is preferably used where arm 300 cannot be used forspace reasons.

One embodiment provides a method and apparatus for marking positions forburglar alarm sensor elements on a window 4500, the window 4500 beingattached to a frame 4000 comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a positioning member 500, the positioning member having alongitudinal centerline and a marking point 550, the marking point 550being aligned with the longitudinal centerline of the positioning member500;

(b) at least partially opening the window 4500;

(c) placing the positioning member 500 in a hole 4020 in the frame 4000;

(d) while the positioning member 500 is in the hole 4020, closing thewindow 4500;

(e) causing the marking point 550 to make a positioning mark on thewindow 4500;

(f) opening the window 4500 and removing the positioning member 500 fromthe hole in the frame 4000; and

(g) causing an opening to be made in the window 4500 at the location ofthe positioning mark.

In one embodiment the window 4500 is pivotally connected to the frame4000.

In one embodiment the window 4500 is slidably connected to the frame4000 and the closing the door in the frame requires the window 4500 toslide parallel to the frame 4000 while the window 4500 is substantiallyparallel to the frame 4000.

In one embodiment the positioning member 500 is attached to an arm 300and in step “d” force is applied to the arm 300.

In one embodiment the positioning member 500 is attached to a flexiblemember 900 and in step “f” force is applied to the flexible member 900.

In one embodiment the positioning member 500 includes a frictionalelement 3100. In one embodiment the frictional element 3000 includes isflexible and includes first and second ends 3110 and 3120.

In one embodiment the flexible member 900 is a rope, wire, chain, cord,or string.

In one embodiment the positioning member 500 includes a plurality ofgrooves 600 and 610 which are substantially parallel to the longitudinalcenterline CL of the positioning member 500.

In one embodiment the frictional element 3100 at least partiallyoccupies one of the grooves 600 and/or 610.

In one embodiment the positioning member 500 includes a bore 800 whichis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline CL of thepositioning member 500, and the flexible member 900 passes through thebore 800.

In one embodiment the and the frictional element 3100 passes through thebore 800.

Door Strike and Latch Bore Drilling

Most manufacturers have predrilled the majority of doors for doorknobs(with cross bores and latch bores), and their measurements will bestandard. One challenge with installing doors is to properly positionthe latch bore and/or the strike plate on the door frame. This iscurrently done with the installer approximating the aligned position ofthe strike plate.

FIG. 18 shows a small diameter positioning member 500′ with marking tip550′ with flexible member 900 being placed in dead bolt screw hole 2620at side of door 2500 (with screw for dead bolt 2600 removed), with door2500 open.

FIG. 19 shows door 2500 closed and the flexible member 900 being used toapply force (schematically indicated by arrow 504) on the positioningmember 500′ with marking tip 550′ to mark the side 2100 of door frame2000. Flexible member 900 is pulled on in the direction of arrow 504putting force on positioning member 500′ in the direction of arrow 502′causing marking tip 550′ to mark side 2100 at marking position 2150(shown in FIG. 20).

A similar procedure described in reference to FIGS. 18 and 19 can beused for making a second positioning mark 2154 (shown in FIG. 20),wherein positioning member 500′ is placed in screw hole 2630 (with screwfor dead bolt 2600 removed), door 2500 closed, and flexible member 900is pulled on in the direction of arrow 504 putting force on positioningmember 500′ in the direction of arrow 502′.

FIG. 20 shows the positioning marks 2150, 2154 made from the two screwholes 2620, 2630 of the dead bolt 2600, where the positioning marks2150, 2154 are made on a piece of tape 2700 to better show the locationof the marks.

FIG. 21 shows a recessed area 2105 for the deadbolt plate 2260 madearound the two holes drilled from the positioning marks 2150 and 2154made in FIG. 20, along with placement of strike plate 2260 and hole 2160cut out for strike plate 2160 to match the dead bolt 2600.

FIG. 22 shows a strike plate 2200′ having screw holes 2252 and 2256(schematically indicated as DIM. B) which do not match the screw holes2620 and 2630 (schematically indicated as DIM.A) of the latch 2600. Insuch a case a template 2400 can be used.

FIG. 23 shows a strike plate template 2400 which can be used when thestrike plate holes 2252 and 2256 (schematically indicated as DIM. B) donot match the screw holes 2620 and 2630 (schematically indicated asDIM.A) of the latch 2600. In such a case one or both of template holes2410 and 2420 of template 2400 can be aligned with one or both ofpositioning marks 2150, 2154 made from the two screw holes 2620, 2630 ofthe dead bolt 2600.

FIG. 24 shows template 2400 being placed on side 2100 of frame 2000 anddrill holes being made through template holes 2450 and 2460 for affixingstrike plate 2200′ to side 2100 of frame 2000.

FIG. 25 shows a recessed area for strike plate 2200′ made around the twoholes drilled from the positioning template 2400, along with placementof strike plate 2200′ and hole 2260 cut out for strike plate to matchthe latch 2600. Strike plate bore 2260 can be milled or drilled aroundscrew holes from 2450 and 2460 for alignment with latch 2600. FIG. 25shows the strike plate 2200′ after being installed on side 2100 of doorframe 2000 (which is aligned with latch 2600).

One embodiment provides a method and apparatus for marking positions forreceiving or strike plates on door frame 2000, the door being attachedto a frame comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a first marking apparatus 500 the first marking apparatusincluding a first marking point 550,

(b) placing the first marking apparatus 500 in a first opening 2630 fora latch or deadbolt mechanism for the door 2500;

(c) while the first marking apparatus 500 is in the first opening 2630,closing the door 2500 in the door frame 2000;

(d) while the door 2500 is closed, applying force on the first markingapparatus 500 causing it to place a mark 2156 on the side 2100 of doorframe 2000;

(e) opening the door 2500 and removing the first marking apparatus 500from the door; and

(f) using the first positioning mark 2156 to install a plate 2200 on thedoor frame 2000 for receiving the latch or dead bolt.

One embodiment includes the further steps of: after step “e” placing thefirst marking apparatus 500 in a second opening 2620, closing the door2500, and while the door is closed, applying force on the first markingapparatus 500 causing it to place a second mark 2150 on the side 2100 ofdoor frame 2000 for a latch or deadbolt mechanism, and during step “f”using both the first and second positioning marks 2156 and 2150 toinstall plate 2200.

One embodiment provides a method and apparatus for marking positions forreceiving or strike plates on door frame 2000, the door being attachedto a frame comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a first marking apparatus 500 the first marking apparatusincluding a first marking point 550, and providing a second markingapparatus 500′, the second marking apparatus including a second markingpoint 550;

(b) placing the first marking apparatus 500 in a first opening 2630 fora latch or deadbolt mechanism for the door 2500, and placing the secondmarking apparatus 500′ in a second opening 2620 for a latch or deadboltmechanism for the door 2500;

(c) while the first marking apparatus 500 is in the first opening 2630and the second marking apparatus 500′ in a second opening 2620, closingthe door 2500 in the door frame 2000;

(d) while the door 2500 is closed, applying force on the first markingapparatus 500 causing it to place a mark 2156 on the side 2100 of doorframe 2000;

(e) while the door 2500 is closed, applying force on the second markingapparatus 500′ causing it to place a mark 2150 on the side 2100 of doorframe 2000;

(f) opening the door 2500 and removing the first and second markingapparatuses 500, 500′ from the door; and

(f) using the first and second positioning marks 2156, 2150 to install aplate 2200 on the door frame 2000 for receiving the latch or dead bolt.

In any of the above embodiments a positioning template 2400 can be usedwith either the first or second positioning 2156, 2150 marks to installthe plate 2200 on the door frame 2000.

The following is a list of reference numerals suitable for use in thepresent invention.

REFERENCE NUMERAL LIST Reference Number Description 10 door sensor 12frame portion of sensor 14 door portion of sensor 20 wire 22 first wire24 second wire 100 marking apparatus 200 handle 300 arm 302 top side 304bottom side 310 first end 320 second end 350 opening 355 threaded area360 notch or slot 370 bend or angle 380 covering 500 positioning member510 first end 515 threaded area 520 second end 522 arrow 524 arrow 526arrow 530 positioning surface 532 positioning surface 534 positioningsurface 550 pointed area 555 longitudinal centerline 600 groove 610groove 620 groove 700 punch 800 opening 810 first end 820 second end 900flexible member (e.g., cord/wire/string/rope/chain) 910 first end 920second end 1000 positioning member 1005 bore (threaded) 1010 first end1020 second end 1030 positioning surface 1040 rounded area 1050 fastener1051 tip of fastener 1070 threaded area 1100 adjustable punch 1110 firstend 1115 notched end 1120 second end 1150 threaded portion 1155 tip 2000door frame 2004 weather stripping 2006 door jam 2010 header 2020 opening2050 gap 2070 arrow 2072 arrows 2074 plane 2080 arrow 2084 arrow 2100side 2105 original strike plate bore 2107 modified strike plate bore2110 strike plate bore 2150 mark 2160 strike plate bore 2200 strikeplate 2500 door 2504 door knob 2510 top 2520 opening 2530 opening 2550mark 2555 hole 2560 scar mark 2600 door locking member 2610 plate 2620first opening 2624 first screw 2630 second opening 2634 second screw2400 template 2410 positioning opening 2420 positioning opening 2450positioning opening 2460 positioning opening 2700 tape 2800 drill 2810drill bit 3000 opening 3010 arrow 3100 frictional insert 3110 first end3120 second end 3500 door 3510 marking tape/sticker 4000 window 4010opening 4020 side 4100 sill 4500 window 4510 marking tape/sticker

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or twoor more together may also find a useful application in other types ofmethods differing from the type described above. Without furtheranalysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the presentinvention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adaptit for various applications without omitting features that, from thestandpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics ofthe generic or specific aspects of this invention set forth in theappended claims. The foregoing embodiments are presented by way ofexample only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited onlyby the following claims.

1. A method of marking positions for burglar alarm sensor elements on adoor, the door attached to a frame having a header comprising the stepsof: (a) providing a marking apparatus the marking apparatus including anarm, a positioning member with a longitudinal centerline attached to thearm, and punch point attached to the positioning member, the punch pointbeing aligned with the longitudinal centerline of the positioningmember; (b) at least partially opening the door; (c) placing thepositioning member in a hole in the header and closing the door; (d)while the door is closed causing the punch to make a mark on the top ofthe door; (e) opening the door and removing the positioning member fromthe hole in the header; and (f) causing an opening to be made in thedoor at the location of the mark made during step “d”.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein in step “a”, the positioning member has a groove, andduring step “c” a contact wire is hanging from the hole in the headerand the contact wire is placed in the groove. 3-6. (canceled)
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein in step “a”, the positioning member isdetachably connected to the arm via a plurality of threads.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein in step “a”, the positioning member has arounded tip.
 9. (canceled)
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein in step“a”, the positioning member is cylindrically, conically, orfrustoconically shaped.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein in step “a”,the marking apparatus includes a plurality of interchangeablepositioning members of different sizes and a user selects a particularpositioning member to attach to the marking apparatus.
 12. (canceled)13. The method of claim 1, wherein in step “c”, there exists a gapbetween the top of the door and the header and at least part of the armfits within the gap.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein in step “a”, thearm includes first and second ends, the positioning member is attachedon the first end, and a handle is attached to the arm on the second end.15. The method of claim 1, wherein in step “a”, the positioning memberhas a positioning surface which is cylindrically shaped and has an outerdiameter which is slightly smaller than the hole in the header.
 16. Themethod of claim 1, wherein in step “a”, the positioning member has agroove and the arm has a notch which is aligned with the groove, andduring step “c” a contact wire is hanging from the hole in the headerand the contact wire is located in both the groove and the notch.
 17. Amethod of installing an alarm sensor in a door attached to a door frame,comprising the steps of: (a) providing a positioning member 500, thepositioning member 500 having a longitudinal centerline and a markingpoint 550, the marking point 550 being aligned with the longitudinalcenterline of the positioning member 500; (b) at least partially openingthe 500 door; (c) placing the positioning member 500 in a hole 2020 inthe frame 2000; (d) while the positioning member is in hole 2020,closing the door 2500 in the door frame 2000; (e) causing the marking550 point to make a mark 2550 on the door 2500; (f) opening the door2500 and removing the positioning member 500 from the hole 2020 in theframe 2000; and (g) causing an opening 2555 to be made in the door 2500at the location of the positioning mark
 2550. 18. (canceled)
 19. Themethod of claim 17, wherein in step “d”, the door 2500 is slidablyconnected to the frame 2000 and the closing the door in the framerequires the door 2500 to slide parallel to the frame 2000 while thedoor 2500 is substantially parallel to the frame
 2000. 20. The method ofclaim 17, wherein in step “a”, the positioning member is attached to anarm 300, and in step “e” force is applied to the arm
 300. 21. The methodof claim 17, wherein in step “a”, the positioning member 500 is attachedto a flexible member 900, and in step “e” force is applied to theflexible member
 900. 22. The method of claim 17, wherein in step “a”,the positioning member 500 includes a frictional element 3000 havingfirst and second ends 3010 and
 3020. 23. (canceled)
 24. The method ofclaim 17, wherein in step “a”, the positioning member 500 includes aplurality of grooves 600 and 610 which are substantially parallel to thelongitudinal centerline CL of the positioning member
 500. 25. The methodof claim 24, wherein a frictional element 3000 at least partiallyoccupies one of the grooves 600 and/or
 610. 26. The method of claim 21,wherein the positioning member 500 includes a bore 800 which issubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline CL of thepositioning member 500, and the flexible member 900 passes through thebore
 800. 27-38. (canceled)
 39. A method of installing a latch or boltplate on a door frame 2000 having a door 2500 attached to the frame2000, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a first marking apparatus500 the first marking apparatus including a first marking point 550, (b)placing the first marking apparatus 500 in a first opening 2630 for alatch or deadbolt mechanism for the door 2500; (c) while the firstmarking apparatus 500 is in the first opening 2630, closing the door2500 in the door frame 2000; (d) while the door 2500 is closed, applyingforce on the first marking apparatus 500 causing it to place a mark 2156on the side 2100 of door frame 2000; (e) opening the door 2500 andremoving the first marking apparatus 500 from the door; and (f) usingthe first positioning mark 2156 to install a plate 2200 on the doorframe 2000 for receiving the latch or dead bolt.
 40. The method of claim39, further comprising the steps of after step “e” placing the firstmarking apparatus 500 in a second opening 2620, closing the door 2500,and while the door is closed, applying force on the first markingapparatus 500 causing it to place a second mark 2150 on the side 2100 ofdoor frame 2000 for a latch or deadbolt mechanism, and during step “f”using both the first and second positioning marks 2156 and 2150 toinstall plate
 2200. 41-44. (canceled)